Can this face change arenas? Inside the rumors linking struggling Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson to a reunion with Bo Horvat on the New York Islanders. Is his next goal-celly with the Isles?
The NHL rumor mill is already churning, but one rumor is growing noticeably louder: Could Vancouver Canucks superstar Elias Pettersson be on his way to the New York Islanders?
Canucks insider Stephan Roget recently floated this massive hypothetical, and from an insider’s perspective, it actually makes a shocking amount of sense. Pettersson is undeniably struggling right now. He looks like a shadow of the dynamic, game-breaking player who racked up a staggering 102 points during his career-high 2022-23 campaign.
But what if a change of scenery, and a very specific reunion, is the exact spark needed to ignite his game? The New York Islanders are a fascinating possibility. A trade to Long Island would reunite Pettersson with his former Vancouver captain, Bo Horvat. Furthermore, with Mathew Barzal becoming more of a permanent fixture on the wing, the Islanders have a glaring, immediate need for a top-tier, play-driving center to anchor their top six. The fit is obvious, but making the money work is where the real chess match begins.
Reuniting With Bo Horvat: The Islanders’ Master Plan
We all know the NHL is a copycat league where chemistry is king. While much of the hockey world’s attention has been focused elsewhere, like the Toronto Maple Leafs desperately trying to lock down a top-pairing defenseman, or the New Jersey Devils constantly searching for the right mix of depth to contend in the Metro, a stealthy Islanders move for Pettersson would shift the entire balance of power in the Eastern Conference.
Horvat and Pettersson had undeniable synergy in Vancouver. Putting them back together under Patrick Roy’s system could be the ultimate key to unlocking Pettersson’s lost confidence.
Analyzing the $11.6 Million Anchor and Salary Retention
My take: Pettersson’s recent performance and his daunting contract remain the major sticking points in any trade negotiations. He’s struggled to meet the lofty expectations that come with his hefty deal. He currently carries a massive average annual value (AAV) of $11.6 million for six more years, complete with a full no-movement clause (NMC).
This gives Pettersson 100% control over his potential trade destinations. If he decides he wants to go to Long Island, he holds all the cards. However, the Islanders, despite currently having plenty of salary-cap space, are run by a shrewd front office. They could, and likely would, insist on the Canucks retaining a significant portion of that salary to facilitate a trade and absorb the risk of a struggling player.
Type
GP
G
A
P
+/-
Regular Season
534
200
300
500
23
Playoffs
30
8
16
24
2
Ultimately, taking Pettersson off the Canucks’ hands is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. If Vancouver is motivated enough to eat some dead cap space, New York might just pull off the heist of the decade.
Find the Latest Vancouver Canucks News & Join Our Hockey Pool
Want to keep up with this rumor and find the latest Vancouver Canucks news? Make sure you bookmark nhltraderumor.com so you never miss a beat. While you’re here, be sure to join our official NHL Playoff Hockey Pool for a chance to win cash prizes! Plus, check our daily guide on how to watch the Canucks game on TV today right on our website. Sign up for our newsletter below to get breaking news sent straight to your inbox!